DOCSLIB.ORG

Thanatos & Phobos

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Thanatos & Phobos University of Calgary PRISM: University of Calgary's Digital Repository Werklund School of Education Werklund School of Education Research & Publications 2012 Thanatos & Phobos: 'Fear' and its Role in Ken Wilber's Transpersonal Theory Fisher, R. M. In Search of Fearlessness Research Institute Fisher, R. M. (2012). Thanatos & Phobos: 'Fear' and its Role in Ken Wilber's Transpersonal Theory (Technical Paper No.4, 2nd ed.). Calgary, AB: In Search of Fearlessness Research Institute. http://hdl.handle.net/1880/110003 Report Unless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission. Downloaded from PRISM: https://prism.ucalgary.ca Thanatos & Phobos: 'Fear' and its Role in Ken Wilber's Transpersonal Theory R. Michael Fisher, Ph.D. © 1997, 2012 Technical Paper No. 4 In Search of Fearlessness Research Institute 2 Thanatos & Phobos: 'Fear' and its Role in Ken Wilber's Transpersonal Theory R. Michael Fisher, Ph.D. Copyright 1997, 2012 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the pub- lisher/author. No permission is necessary in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews, or other educational or research purposes. For information and permission address correspond- ence to: In Search of Fearlessness Research Institute 507 S. James St., Carbondale, IL 62901 Contact author: [email protected] First Edition 1997 Second Edition 2012 Cover and layout by R. Michael Fisher ISOF Logo (original 1989) designed by RMF Printed in USA The In Search of Fearlessness Institute is dedicated to research and publishing on fear, fearlessness and emotions in general, as well as critical reviews of such works. Preference is given to works with an integral theoretical perspective. 2 3 Thanatos & Phobos: 'Fear' and its Role in Ken Wilber's Transpersonal Theory - R. Michael Fisher,1 Ph.D. ©1997, 2012 Technical Paper No. 4 PREFACE to the 2nd Edition Re-reading this paper, nearly 16 years later, I realize how totally into theo- retical fearology I was, with Wilber as one author that was under my lens. I was at times, strikingly, if not embarrassingly, quite sure of myself: "I rec- ommend 'fear' be given full-scale attention on educational, medical, psy- cho-social, spiritual and political agendas around the world before the year 2005." It's not that I disagree with myself younger self, it is just strange ob- serving it across time performing, as if performing for the Kosmos itself some kind of puzzlement, but a serious game that is inherent it seems in the very processes of evolution, that even evolution is trying to still figure out. Whatever else is going on here, it is a good demonstration of a critical fearanalysis of one scholars texts. Since 1997, this paper has had little circulation compared to other papers in this series. One of the reasons is that it was submitted to The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology in 1997, and was "lost" and/or "rejected" forth- right by the Editor at the time. Correspondence led to the editor saying they received it and would send it to referees. But over a year later, I tried on several occasions to contact the Editor and no replies came back. Not sure what that meant. Although, I always knew this was a difficult and uncom- fortable paper for most anyone. One reviewer, whom I sent the draft copy to on my own, was very positive about it.2 Yet, reality is, Thanatos and 1 Fisher is co-founder of In Search of Fearlessness Project (1989- ) and Research Institute (1991- ) of which archives can be found at http://www.feareducation.com (click on "Pro- jects"). He is also founder of the Center for Spiritual Inquiry & Integral Education (http://csiie.org), and is Department Head at CSIIE of Integral & 'Fear' Studies. He is a con- sultant, coach and teacher and principal of his own company (http://loveandfearsolutions.com). He can be reached at: [email protected]. 2 Dr. Michael Zimmerman, a Heidegger scholar, wrote after reading it: "Dear Robert, I en- joyed reading your essay on THANATOS AND PHOBOS. You have done a good job of 3 4 Phobos are rather dark and deep subjects and forces to research on. I called them then, for better or for worse, 'Fear'3 (i.e., 'fear' patterns that are meta-motivational dynamics along with 'Love' patterns, that is, Agape and Eros, respectively). So, in simple terms, this is the first paper I know of that deals with the topic of "Wilber on 'Fear'." It is definitely technical, as I was after at the time to get down exactly what Wilber was saying about them ['fear'] throughout his writing up to that date. And even he, admits himself, was somewhat con- fused about these two forces Thanatos (e.g., what Freud focused on) and Phobos (which most theorists ignore). But I was primarily motivated to write this paper after receiving a draft copy of Wilber's Sex, Ecology and Spiritu- ality ms. in 1994, arriving at the door of the In Search of Fearlessness Re- search Institute, in Calgary, AB. Ken and I had corresponded on other work I was doing involving studying his critics and his responses to them, and he thought I'd have some useful comments on the ms. in its earlier form. It was in that ms. that he dealt so thoroughly, and interestingly, with Thana- tos and Phobos. Because my specialty of research and teaching was shap- ing up around fear and fearlessness, it was a great theory I thought he'd been working on. To this day, however, I'll say these topics are still wobbly in my own think- ing and even after Technical Paper No. 4. I welcome readers to enter this challenging study and dialogue with me, and others, on these notions and especially their relevance to what I've called 'Fear' Studies. I suggest, that if we are to truly understand the roots of "evil" (and the Shadow, pathology, oppression-repression dynamics, violence, conflict, and devolution in gen- eral) today and in the future, these great 'Fear' forces cannot be ignored as foundational to the unconscious, or if we do, they'll likely come to bite us in the ass, with horrid consequences. Our new integral fear management sys- tems need an upgrade and Wilber's concepts here are very important as I have argued in other places.4 Unfortunately, and interestingly, Wilber him- tracking down the references to these and related topics in Wilber's writings, and you have shown inconsistencies that he needs to address. Your essay may be improved by defining Thanatos and Phobos earlier, since some readers may not be familiar with these terms, nor with how Wilber uses them. More careful analysis like yours are needed, in order to prod Ken Wilber into being more internally consistent. His publications flow out rapidly when he is writing, and he doesn't always keep his own views straight, not least because those views are constantly evolving. I am very impressed with his work. Thank you for sharing your fine essay with me. I noticed a few misspellings and/or minor grammatical/stylistic prob- lems, but I don't have any major criticism." (pers. comm. July, 29, 1997). 3 See my Technical Papers 1 and 2 for defining why fear and 'fear' are overlapping concepts but distinct (go to: http://csiie.org/mod/page/view.php?id=3). 4 See Fisher, R. M. (2010). Also, I have written several blogs on the topic, but they were deleted by a hacker in 2011; someday, I may re-type them on digital for archiving. The latest series of blogging I did on this in 2012 with Carissa Wieler 4 5 self pretty much stopped publishing more on these two forces after Sex, Ecology and Spirituality (1995) and his short version of it in A Brief History of Everything (1996). That lacuna in his work, uncannily happened as I was writing this paper. It is also telling, that people in the Integral Movement that Wilber has nour- ished and led, also have virtually ignored this topic, as they have with my work. Fear, and 'fear' it seems are too dark and deep for their interests, if not their constitutions. Who knows. What I do know, is that I am a fan of Wilber-pre-1997 (his strong critical/conflict theory phase), and less so af- terwards because he seems to have tried to be more popular (his function- al-pragmatist and post-metaphysical stage) and sacrificed too much in im- portant areas like this understanding of 'Fear.' Three last points worthy to note: one, in my view, one cannot say they un- derstand integral theory (or Integral Theory) and Ken Wilber's core work, if they don't understand these great meta-motivational forces. One cannot be "at integral" either, if they have not incorporated them (i.e., 'Fear') into their practices; and two, I labeled Wilber's work "transpersonal" and that is cer- tainly what it is to a large degree, however, technically and not without some importance, it is more "integral." Wilber himself has written recently that he left the "transpersonal" movement around the early to mid-1980s. He may have in his own ways, but in terms of declaring that overtly in his publishing, I had not seen any evidence he had done so when I worked on this paper 10+ yrs.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Letting Go of the Ego As a Spiritual Path Victor Ashear 2/16/20 the Talk
    Letting go of the ego as a spiritual path Victor Ashear 2/16/20 The talk Lisa read at the start of this month’s theme made a very important point about surrender that I want to expand on today. The point was that when we let go of our needs for control and perfection we open ourselves to realities and opportunities that lie beyond ourselves. I also want to expand on what Bill shared last Sunday when he talked about how when we are able to let go of our ego we reach a deeper and more authentic self. I spoke a few years ago about “the five big theological questions” that some of you may remember. One of those big theological questions that all religions seek to answer is the question of “ontology.” Ontology is the subject of who we are as human beings; what is the nature of our essence or most vital character? Sometimes the question is posed as, “whose are we?” because no one’s identity exists independently of others. We are defined by our relationships, are we not? Today I want to explore the topic of who we are spiritually in terms of “letting go/surrender.” Part of what I want to say is that it is not easy to discover who we are in a spiritual sense, and that to get there we need to let go of our conventional ways of thinking about our identity or self-concept. (I am going to use the terms ego, identity and self-concept interchangeably in this talk.) Some of you who read the UU World magazine might have come across and article by Rev.
    [Show full text]
  • The Human Encounter with Death
    The Human Encounter With Death by STANISLAV GROF, M.D. & JOAN HALIFAX, PH.D. with a Foreword by ELISABETH KÜBLER-ROSS, M.D D 492 / A Dutton Paperback / $3.95 / In Canada $4.75 Stanislav Grof, M.D., and Joan Halifax, Ph.D., have a unique authority and competence in the interpretation of the human encounter with death. Theirs is an extraordin­ ary range of experience, in clinical research with psyche- delic substances, in cross-cultural and medical anthropology, and in the analysis of Oriental and archaic literatures. Their pioneering work with psychedelics ad­ ministered to individuals dying of cancer opened domains of experience that proved to be nearly identical to those al­ ready mapped in the "Books of the Dead," those mystical visionary accounts of the posthumous journeys of the soul. The Grof/Halifax book and these ancient resources both show the imminent experience of death as a continuation of what had been the hidden aspect of the experience of life. —Joseph Campbell The authors have assisted persons dying of cancer in tran­ scending the anxiety and anger around their personal fate. Using psychedelics, they have guided the patients to death- rebirth experiences that resemble transformation rites practiced in a variety of cultures. Physician and medical anthropologist join here in recreating an old art—the art of dying. —June Singer The Human Encounter With Death is the latest of many re­ cent publications in the newly evolving field of thanatology. It is, however, a quite different kind of book—one that be­ longs in every library of anyone who seriously tries to un­ derstand the phenomenon we call death.
    [Show full text]
  • A Perinatal Interpretation of Frightening Near-Death Experiences: a Dialogue with Kenneth Ring
    A Perinatal Interpretation of Frightening Near-Death Experiences: A Dialogue with Kenneth Ring Christopher M. Bache, Ph.D. Youngstown State University ABSTRACT: While endorsing several of Kenneth Ring's conclusions, I pro pose a more comprehensive interpretation of frightening near-death experi ences (NDEs). I criticize Ring's interpretation of meaningless void NDEs as emergence reactions and argue that all three forms of frightening NDEs inverted, hellish, and meaningless void experiences-are better understood as rooted in the perinatal level of consciousness. I expand Ring's account of resistance to ego death as the cause of these NDEs, and develop the broader implications of a perinatal reading of frightening NDEs. Finally, I introduce and explore parallels with the "dark night of the soul" experience. Anyone familiar with Stanislav Grof's work cannot help but be struck by the phenomenological parallels between perinatal symp tomatology (Grof, 1975, 1985, 1988) and frightening near-death experi ences (NDEs) (Atwater, 1992; Grey, 1985; Greyson and Bush, 1992; Irwin and Bramwell, 1988; Rawlings, 1978). These extensive parallels suggest that Grof's concept of the perinatal level of consciousness may hold an important key to understanding these enigmatic NDEs. Ken neth Ring is aware of these parallels and discussed them in his anal ysis of the meaningless void variety of NDE in his article, "Solving the Riddle of Frightening Near-Death Experiences" (1994). Ring's analysis is insightful and productive, yet I believe that the parallels with perinatal experience are much more extensive than he has recognized. Christopher M. Bache, Ph.D., is Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Youngstown State University.
    [Show full text]
  • Nondual Psychotherapy | Paradoxica
    Volume 1 - NONDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY | PARADOXICA http://paradoxica.ca/nondual-psychotherapy-letting-go-of-the-separate-se... Journal of Nondual Psychology You are here: Home > NONDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY: Letting go of the separate self contraction and embracing nondual being Written by Nixon & Sharpe – Journal of Nondual Psychology, Vol 1: Spring 2009 Letting go of the Separate Self Contraction Death of the Separate Self Working Through the Separate Self Contraction Case Study Conclusion References This article summarizes the pivotal task of moving into nondual awareness by seeing through the veil of the separate self. Formerly this nondual state was understood as the final stage in an arduous journey of 1 of 12 10/29/2013 8:15 AM Volume 1 - NONDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY | PARADOXICA http://paradoxica.ca/nondual-psychotherapy-letting-go-of-the-separate-se... ego-transcendence; but nondual psychotherapists are now recognizing this nondual state as readily available to clients as part of the therapeutic process. The first author recounts his own journey of seeing through the illusion of the separate self and embracing nondual awareness. Following this, he presents a nondual psychotherapy case study describing the process of a client having an awakening experience – the letting go of her egoic separate self in the moment – and her subsequent realization that surrendering is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Gary Nixon PhD, has been on the nondual ‘pathless’ path for over 25 years, is a transpersonal psychologist, and professor in the addiction counseling program at the University of Lethbridge. He has been facilitating nondual groups for the past ten years.
    [Show full text]
  • Out of Body, Loss of Self: Spiritual Or Scary?
    religions Article Out of Body, Loss of Self: Spiritual or Scary? Elpine M. de Boer Faculty of Humanities, Institute for Area Studies, School for the Study of Religion, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; [email protected] Received: 6 September 2020; Accepted: 23 October 2020; Published: 28 October 2020 Abstract: The main aim of the present study is to investigate when “loss of self” results in scaredness or anxiety during or after an out-of body-experience (OBE). An OBE is an intense form of (bodily) self loss in which people have the impression that their self is located outside their body. In a sample of respondents reporting to have had an OBE (n = 171), anxiety and different conceptualizations of “self loss” were assessed. In addition, questions were asked about meaning making processes after the OBE. Results show that there was no relationship between anxiety and self loss with a relational component (i.e., mystical experiences, positive spiritual experiences). However, there was significantly more anxiety in respondents who (1) (have) experience(d) ego loss/deconstruction, (2) have difficulties to (re)turn their attention to an internal bodily state (low mindfulness) and/or (3) experience a lack of self-concept clarity. Respondents who did not succeed in making sense of their OBE experience more anxiety, more ego loss/deconstruction, lower mindfulness and higher self-unclarity. Finally, the article examines how respondents explain their OBE (by using, for instance, medical, spiritual or psychological explanations) and how and why respondents do (not) succeed in making sense of the OBE.
    [Show full text]
  • Validation of the Ego-Dissolution Inventory (EDI)
    ORIGINAL RESEARCH published: 14 June 2016 doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00269 Ego-Dissolution and Psychedelics: Validation of the Ego-Dissolution Inventory (EDI) Matthew M. Nour 1,2*, Lisa Evans 3, David Nutt 3 and Robin L. Carhart-Harris 3 1 Psychiatric Imaging Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK, 2 Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK, 3 Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK Aims: The experience of a compromised sense of “self”, termed ego-dissolution, is a key feature of the psychedelic experience. This study aimed to validate the Ego-Dissolution Inventory (EDI), a new 8-item self-report scale designed to measure ego-dissolution. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the specificity of the relationship between psychedelics and ego-dissolution. Method: Sixteen items relating to altered ego-consciousness were included in an internet questionnaire; eight relating to the experience of ego-dissolution (comprising the EDI), and eight relating to the antithetical experience of increased self-assuredness, termed ego-inflation. Items were rated using a visual analog scale. Participants answered the questionnaire for experiences with classical psychedelic drugs, cocaine and/or alcohol. They also answered the seven questions from the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ) relating to the experience of unity with one’s surroundings. Results: Six hundred and ninety-one participants completed the questionnaire, Edited by: providing data for 1828 drug experiences (1043 psychedelics, 377 cocaine, 408 Isadora Olivé, alcohol). Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated that the eight EDI items loaded Université Vincennes Saint Denis Paris 8, France exclusively onto a single common factor, which was orthogonal to a second factor Reviewed by: comprised of the items relating to ego-inflation (rho 0.110), demonstrating D − Philip R.
    [Show full text]
  • 1!T~------Associate Professor, Religious Studies
    Enlightenment After the Enlightenment: American Transformations of Asian Contemplative Traditions By Ann Louise Gleig A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE Doctor of Philosophy APPROVED, THESIS COMMITTEE c ~2~ Jeffrey J~hair J. Newton Rayzor Professor, Religious Studies 1!T~-------- Associate Professor, Religious Studies lames ~ biOI1: Professor, Anthropology Rice University Houston, TX November 2010 ABSTRACT Enlightenment After the Enlightenment: American Transformations of Asian Contemplative Traditions By Ann Louise Gleig My dissertation traces the contemporary American assimilation of Asian enlightenment traditions and discourses. Through a close reading of three communities, I consider how Asian traditions and ideas have been refracted through the psychological, politiCal, and economic lenses of American culture. One of my chapters, for example, discusses how the American Insight community has attempted to integrate the enlightenment teachings ofTheravada Buddhism with the humanistic, democratic, and pluralistic values of the European Enlightenment. A second chapter traces the American guru Andrew Cohen's transformation from a Neo-Advaita teacher to a leading proponent of "evolutionary enlightenment," a teaching that places traditional Indian understandings of nonduality in an evolutionary context. Cohen's early period shows the further deinstitutionalization of traditional Advaita Vedanta within the radically decontextualized Neo-Advaitin network, and evolutionary enlightenment engages and
    [Show full text]
  • Mysticism in Science Fiction: Science Fiction As a Vehicle
    MYSTICISM IN SCIENCE FICTION: SCIENCE FICTION AS A VEHICLE FOR MYSTICAL THOUGHT AND EXPERIENCE An Undergraduate Research Scholars Thesis by ANNA ROGERS Submitted to the Undergraduate Research Scholars program at Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the designation as an UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOLAR Approved by Research Advisor: Dr. Joshua DiCaglio May 2019 Major: English TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................1 Literature Review ..............................................................................................................1 Thesis Statement ...............................................................................................................2 Theoretical Framework .....................................................................................................2 Project Description ............................................................................................................2 INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................4 CHAPTERS I. SIMULATION IN SCIENCE FICTION, SCIENCE FICTION AS SIMULATION ..9 The Science Fiction Novel as Simulation .............................................................9 Why Science Fiction for Simulation? ..................................................................10 Solaris on the Failure of Human Perception .......................................................12
    [Show full text]
  • The Most Profound Spiritual Autobiography of All Time? - a Review of "The Knee of Listening" by Adi Da (Franklin Jones) (1995) (Review Revised 2019)
    The most profound spiritual autobiography of all time? - a review of "The Knee of Listening" by Adi Da (Franklin Jones) (1995) (review revised 2019) Michael Starks ABSTRACT A brief review of the life and spiritual autobiography of the unique American mystic Adi Da (Franklin Jones). The sticker on the cover of some editions says `The most profound spiritual autobiography of all time` and this might well be true. I am in my 70´s and have read many books by spiritual teachers and on spirituality, and this is one of the greatest. Certainly, it is by far the fullest and clearest account of the process of enlightenment I have ever seen. Even if you have no interest at all in the most fascinating of all human psychological processes, it is an amazing document that reveals a great deal about religion, yoga, and human psychology and probes the depths and limits of human possibilities. I describe it in some detail and compare his teaching with that of the Contemporary Indian mystic Osho. Those wishing a comprehensive up to date framework for human behavior from the modern two systems view may consult my book ‘The Logical Structure of Philosophy, Psychology, Mind and Language in Ludwig Wittgenstein and John Searle’ 2nd ed (2019). Those interested in more of my writings may see ‘Talking Monkeys--Philosophy, Psychology, Science, Religion and Politics on a Doomed Planet--Articles and Reviews 2006-2019 3rd ed (2019) and Suicidal Utopian Delusions in the 21st Century 4th ed (2019) There are many editions of the spiritual autobiography of the unique American mystic Adi Da (Franklin Jones).
    [Show full text]
  • Wisdom Walking: the Four Stages of the Alchemical Process of Pilgrimage Gil W. Stafford (Copyright © 2015) a Study Guide for Im
    Wisdom Walking: The Four Stages of the Alchemical Process of Pilgrimage 1 Gil W. Stafford (Copyright © 2015) A Study Guide for Immortal Diamonds: The Search for Our True Selves by Richard Rohr This six-week study guide is a gift from the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona through the work of the Rev. Dr. Gil Stafford, Canon Theologian. This material is not to be sold in any form. It is solely for the use of individual and group study in conjunction with Richard Rohr’s book, Immortal Diamond: The Search for Our True Self (San Francisco: Josey-Bass, 2013). Rohr’s book should be purchased from an approved book dealer. The small group facilitator should prepare well in advance of the first meeting by becoming very familiar with the study guide and the unique process used to lead the sessions. Each member of the small group should have a copy of Immortal Diamond and this study guide. The study guide does not replace reading the book. Therefore, without reading the book, the participants are at a disadvantage. Introduction Let’s go wisdom walking. We’ll be taking a long journey down the pilgrim’s path. Traipsing through the forest of life. Climbing over the mountains of adversity. Enduring the climate of challenge. During the course of countless miles and numerous days, our walk will build our capacity for inner wisdom—the ability to discern the delicate nuances of our inner life and the world outside us. I’ve taken numerous wisdom walks. Some were called pilgrimages. I walked Ireland coast-to- coast, alone.
    [Show full text]
  • A Transpersonal Psychology Approach to Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Values Formation
    Article 82 Integrating Spirituality, Embodying Religiosity, and Promoting Ego Transformation: A Transpersonal Psychology Approach to Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Values Formation Jan C. Lemon and Rosanne Nunnery Lemon, Jan C., is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Psychology at Mississippi College. Lemon has research interests in the areas of wellness and spirituality, and she brings unique experience in the application of faith and psychological resonance to the mind-body discussion. In addition, she has presented statewide and nationally on integrating energy psychology and mind-body techniques into the counseling process. Nunnery, Rosanne, is a core faculty member in the Harold Able School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, specifically with Mental Health Counseling, and has a small private practice. Nunnery has research interests in the areas of wellness, resilience, trauma, and self-efficacy. She desires to make therapy applicable for clients, counselors-in-training, and practicing counselors in the field. Abstract The search for meaning, purpose, and spiritual values has been found to be an essential element in the counseling process. Professional counselors have the unique ability to not only help clients through an emotional crisis but also to bring about changes in character, identity, and self-esteem. With the fusion of neuroplastiticy and spirituality, the therapeutic process not only brings about changes in the brain but may also comprise the synergy of the client’s humanity and his or her aspects of the Divine and encourages the development of a healthy, balanced ego. The concepts of mindfulness, acceptance, and values formation in the application of transpersonal psychology are discussed in depth with an emphasis on spirituality and ego transformation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Eco-Crisis and Species Ego-Death: Speculations on the Future
    THE ECO-CRISIS AND SPECIES EGO-DEATH: SPECULATIONS ON THE FUTURE ChristopherM. Bache Youngstown,Ohio ABSTRACT:A profoundlydisruptive confrontation with the limits of the carrying-capacity of the planet appears inevitable in thiscentury.Thiscrisis,however, mayfunction as a kindof global initiation intoa new stageof humanity's psycho-social development. By drawing comparisons to the mystical ordeal of the dark night of the soul, this paper suggeststhe eco-crisis may constitutewhat amountsto a dark night of the species-soul, drawing us collectively into a deeper experience of our spiritual common ground. THECRISISOF SUSTAINABILITY Ourbestenvironmental estimates arethatcurrent industrial andsocial trendsaredriving humanitytoward a devastating ecological and economiccollapse that will take place probably withinthe nextseveral decades.As we showno sign sof pullingback fromthe policy of perpetual economicexpansion,the only uncertaintyseems to be how severe the ecological overshoot will be and howcatastrophic the periodafterthe collapse. Few have attempted to predict this approaching crisis more precisely than Donella Meadows, Dennis Meadows, and Jergen Randers in their book Beyond the Limits (1992).The soberinggraphbelow is their computer modelprojectionof the fate of the planet if we continueour currentrates of populationgrowth,industrial production,and material consumption.The scenario reflected in thisgraphassumesthat the worldsoci­ ety continues on its currentpath as long as possible,that is, that the policiesthat influ­ ence economicand
    [Show full text]